AL HB188

Amends Alabama Code Section 16-1-14 to establish uniform procedural due process protections for students facing long-term suspension (more than 10 but less than 90 school days), long-term alternative school placement (more than 15 school days), or expulsion (more than 90 but less than 180 school days).

Requires principals to consider student age, disciplinary history, violation seriousness, and whether lesser interventions would address the behavior before recommending long-term disciplinary action.

Mandates local boards of education provide students and parents with written notice of disciplinary hearings, allow students legal representation at their own expense, and conduct hearings within 10 school days of initial suspension.

Requires schools to present evidence of code violations, allows students to present defenses and question witnesses (excluding those under 14), and grants students access to audio/video recordings and evidence at least 5 days before hearings.

Mandates written decisions within 5 school days explaining the basis for discipline, what information enters the student's record, and appeal procedures; effective October 1, 2024.